(a) Ordinarily, the determination of an award will be made on the basis of the written record. However, on request of either the applicant or agency counsel or on his or her own initiative, the adjudicative officer may order further proceedings when necessary.

(b) A request that the adjudicative officer order further proceedings under this section shall specifically identify the information sought or the disputed issues and shall explain why the additional proceedings are necessary to resolve the issues.